Belarus pipeline closure no immediate threat to Czech oil supplies

The disruption of oil supplies to Poland and Germany due to Russia's
closure of a pipeline after of a price dispute with Belarus has sent
shockwaves through Europe. Although immediate supplies to countries like
the Czech Republic are not under threat, the situation has once again
raised uncomfortable questions about Europe and the Czech Republic's
increasing reliance on Russia as an energy supplier.

Photo: CTK
Russia's closure of an oil pipeline through Belarus has increased concern
about its reliability as an energy partner for this part of the world. It
is the second time in a year that supplies to Western Europe have been cut
off as a result of a trade row between and a neighbouring country. Russian
oil was also switched off last year because of a dispute with Ukraine.

Disruptions such as these have given rise to concerns that the Czech
Republic and Europe cannot always rely on Russia to ensure their energy
needs.

For the time being, however, Zuzana Opletalova, a spokeswoman for the
Czech Ministry of Foreign affairs, says there is no cause for alarm
regarding the country's energy supplies.

"No there is no actual danger. We are monitoring the situation, but
there is no need for any concerns or fears yet. We have additional oil
reserves for seven days, and we believe that oil supplies will be resumed
soon. There is no threat that supplies to end users will be
disrupted."

The Czech Republic actually has reserves of oil to last it about three and
a half months and - as most analysts expect the trade row between Russia
and Belarus to be resolved fairly quickly - there doesn't seem to be any
fear that supplies will run out.

Nevertheless, what contingency plans does the Czech Republic have in case
the dispute continues?

"Then we will take diplomatic measures. But there is no reason to
think about such things yet, because we think the situation will be
resolved in a matter of days. So there is no reason to worry yet."

Ms Opletalova didn't elaborate on what diplomatic measures could be taken
if oil supplies continue to be affected, but the situation makes it clear
that the Czech Republic and western Europe need to take a closer look at
their increasing reliance on Russia as an energy partner. Potential future
solutions include rerouting pipelines to avoid volatile countries like
Belarus or of course looking for other energy suppliers elsewhere.